The LA Chargers already have to play in the same division as Patrick Mahomes and the same conference as Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow. The last thing the Chargers need is another top-tier quarterback to compete against.
Depending on what happens with Matthew Stafford this offseason, the Bolts may have to deal with that reality.
The Los Angeles Rams seem to be undergoing a reboot this offseason. Cooper Kupp has already been told by the team that he will be traded this offseason and now, the Rams have given Matthew Stafford's agent permission to seek out a trade.
A Stafford trade doesn't quite make sense for a Rams team that can still contend for a Super Bowl next season. But if it ultimately does happen, there's a higher chance than not it will make the Chargers' path to the Super Bowl even tougher.
Chargers may have to compete with Matthew Stafford in AFC if Rams trade him
There is a select group of teams that should be in the market for Stafford with the frontrunner actually being in the NFC. The New York Giants seem like the most likely destination for Stafford this offseason, which would be great for the Chargers as it would keep Stafford out of the AFC.
But when you really break down the list of teams that are a quarterback away from being a Super Bowl contender, there are more threats in the AFC than the NFC. Heck, even the Giants are far away from being a quarterback away from contending, so Stafford and his agent could try and put a halt to any Giants trade.
On the NFC side of things, the Minnesota Vikings are the best team that would benefit from adding a quarterback like Stafford. However, Minnesota also has J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings probably want to see what they have in McCarthy in 2025 (unless he is included in a Stafford deal).
The New Orleans Saints may need a quarterback if the team parts ways with Derek Carr. However, the Saints are not a contending team and have so many salary-cap issues to deal with.
On the AFC side of things, there are several talented teams that need a quarterback to compete with the other top-tier teams in the conference. The Cleveland Browns would be a legitimate contender with Stafford under center, although the team's financial situation may stop that from happening.
The Pittsburgh Steelers would be a legitimate Super Bowl contender with Stafford and have the infrastructure to absorb him. Pittsburgh should be considered a real threat to make a move for Stafford, as the team has no other real options.
Even the New York Jets could be a threat to go after Stafford. The Jets are moving on from Aaron Rodgers but still have enough talent to contend with the right QB. In a weak QB class with an uninspiring group of free agents, Stafford is by far the best the Jets can do.
Heck, there is even the threat of Stafford coming to the AFC West. The Las Vegas Raiders are not contenders but they desperately need a quarterback and may pay an inflated price to get Stafford in Vegas.
The Giants may not want to trade the third-overall pick for Stafford but the Raiders are absolutely desperate enough to trade the sixth-overall pick. What else are the Raiders doing to do?
All that being said, if Stafford is traded this offseason is seems far more likely he will end up in the AFC than the NFC. Unfortunately, this would give the Chargers yet another elite quarterback to compete with.